Conveying means, in particular a suitcase

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a conveying means ( 1 ) with at least one first device ( 4 ) for storing at least one sales sample and with at least one electronic second device ( 6 ) for entry and/or reproduction of data. The invention has the advantage that, using the electronic second device ( 6 ) for entry and/or reproduction of data, detailed information about a function and a purpose of a sales sample can be presented in a simple manner.

DESCRIPTION

The invention concerns a conveying means, in particular a case, which is used to convey sales samples from a first place to a second place. The invention, in particular, concerns a conveying means with which metallic objects, for example hinges and other fittings, can be conveyed.

A case is known from the state of the art which is provided with a device for storing at least one sales sample. For example, in the device, sales samples in the form of hinges or other objects made of metal or plastic are arranged. This case serves to convey the sales samples from a first location to a second location and to present them to a customer in the second location.

The function and purpose of the individual sales samples must be explained in greater detail to a customer at the customer's site verbally or using brochures. In addition, a sales sample can be demonstrated “live”. A disadvantage, however, is that brochures must be packed and brought along. These are often very heavy and difficult to handle. On the other hand, a disadvantage is that it is sometimes not possible to explain the function and purpose of a sales sample in a precise and detailed way during a demonstration because the sales sample would, for that purpose, often have to be mounted on further units beforehand. This applies in particular to a hinge which, for example, is used to mount a glass door on a wall, in particular a glass wall.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a conveying means which makes it possible to present, in an easy way, detailed information on the sales sample conveyed by this conveying means.

This object is solved using a conveying means with the features of claim 1. Further features of the invention can be derived from the following description, the following claims and/or the annexed drawing.

According to the invention, a conveying means, preferably a case or a bag, is provided with at least one first device for storing at least one sales sample. The first device for storing at least one sales sample has at least one recess which is fitted to the size and form of a sales sample, so that an uncontrolled movement of a sales sample which is stored in the recess is avoided. In addition, the conveying means has at least one electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data.

The invention has the advantage that, using the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data, detailed information on a function and a purpose of a sales sample can be easily presented. For example, it is now very easy to illustrate the installation and a function of a hinge, for example a hinge for a glass door. The information about a sales sample can be gathered depending upon the needs and presented to a customer at the customer's location. The information which one would like to present to a customer is storable and/or exchangeable on small and inexpensive storage units, for example a DVD, a CD-ROM or a USB stick, so that the aforementioned information can be individually compiled. An additional advantage is that packing and taking along—possibly heavy—brochures is dispensed with.

In one preferred embodiment of the conveying means at least one sales sample is arranged in the at least one recess. For example, the sales sample is one of the following objects: a hinge, a holding clamp, a door handle or a bracket. The foregoing itemization is only an example and not to be understood as definitive. Thus, the sales sample can also be another object.

In a further embodiment of the conveying means, the device for storing a sales sample is made of foam. In this way, for example, a sales sample stored in the recess is protected from damage.

In yet another embodiment of the conveying means, the conveying means has a first part and a second part, the second part sealing the first part. For example, the first part is constructed as a case recess, while the second part is constructed as a case cover. Furthermore, the first part is intended for comprising the device for storing a sales sample. In addition, the second part is provided with the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data.

In a further embodiment of the conveying means, the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data is provided as a DVD player. With this embodiment it is, thus, possible to show information to be presented in the form of data on a display. However, the invention is not limited to the use of a DVD player. In fact, any electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data may be used. Thus, in a further embodiment it is intended to use an MP3 player which reproduces data in audible form. In a further embodiment, it is intended to arrange a mini-computer in the conveying means with which data can be reproduced in audible and/or visible form.

It is also explicitly pointed out that the invention is not limited to a specific data format. Rather, the data can be stored and/or entered in any form into the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data.

In yet another embodiment of the conveying means, the conveying means has a power supply unit for supplying power to the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data. For example, this unit may be constructed as a battery case for storing at least one battery or as a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, or in addition, it is intended for the conveying means to have a connection unit for connecting to an external power supply unit. For example, this connection unit could be constructed as a cable connection.

In yet another embodiment of the conveying means, the electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data is arranged in an inner space of the conveying means and/or on an outside surface of the conveying means. Particularly advantageous is the arrangement in an inner space, as in there the electronic second device for the entry and/or reproduction of data is particularly well protected.

The invention will now be explained on the basis of preferred embodiments with the help of drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment in the form of a case with an electronic second device for the entry and/or reproduction of data; and

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment in the form of a case with an electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a conveying means in the form of a case 1, which has a case cover 2 as well as a case recess 3.

By means of the case cover 2, the case recess 3 can be closed during conveyance of the case 1.

The case recess 3 has a first device 4 for storing sales samples, which in the present embodiment is constructed of a foamed material. The first device 4 for storing sales samples has several openings 5, which are tailored to the size and form of individual sales samples. In this way, a secure storage of the sales samples while being conveyed in the case 1 can be ensured.

An electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data in the form of a DVD player 6 is arranged in the case cover 2, in the middle, oriented towards the interior of the case 1. Using the DVD player 6 it is possible to present data and information about the sales samples contained in the case 1 in a simple way. In particular, it is possible to present detailed information about a function and a purpose of a sales sample. The information can be gathered depending upon what is needed, can be stored on a DVD and can be presented to a customer at the customer's site using the DVD player 6. The information to be presented can however also be stored on other storage units, for example a CD ROM or a USB stick, and loaded from the DVD player 6.

In the embodiment shown here, the DVD player 6 itself has a power supply unit, for example in the form of batteries. As an alternative, a power supply unit 7 for supplying power to the DVD player 6 is provided with the case 1.

For example, this unit may be provided as a battery case for storing at least one battery or as a rechargeable battery. Alternatively, or in addition to this, it is intended for the case 1 to have a connection unit for connecting to an external power supply unit. For example, this connection unit is constructed as a cable connector.

It is explicitly pointed out that the invention is not limited to the use of the DVD player 6. In fact, any electronic second device for entry and/or reproduction of data may be used. Thus, in a further embodiment, it is intended that an MP3 player be used, which plays the data in audible form.

In a further embodiment, it is intended to arrange a mini-computer in the conveying means which can reproduce the data in audible and/or visible form.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a conveying means in the form of a case 1. The second embodiment according to FIG. 2 is based on the first embodiment according to FIG. 1. Like components are therefore provided with identical reference signs.

Sales samples, namely a hinge 8, a holding clamp 9, a door handle 10 as well as a bracket 11, are arranged in the openings 5. In addition, a portable remote control 12 can be seen with which the DVD player 6 can be operated. Furthermore an insertion element 13 is provided for the case 1 which exhibits samples of different materials the sales samples can be made of.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 Case -   2 Case cover -   3 Case recess -   4 First device for storing sales samples -   5 Openings -   6 DVD player -   7 Power supply unit -   8 Hinge -   9 Holding unit -   10 Door handle -   11 Bracket -   12 Remote control -   13 Insertion element 

1. A conveying means (1) with at least one first device (4) for storing at least one sales sample, wherein the first device (4) has at least one opening (5), which is adjusted to the size and form of a sales sample in such a way that an uncontrolled movement of a sales sample stored in the opening (5) is prevented, as well as with at least one electronic second device (6) for entry and/or reproduction of data.
 2. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one sales sample (8 to 11) is arranged in the at least one opening (5).
 3. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the sales sample (8 to 11) is one of the following objects: a hinge, a holding clamp, a door handle, or a bracket
 4. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the first device (4) for storing a sales sample is made of foamed material.
 5. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the conveying means (1) is a case or a bag.
 6. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the conveying means (1) has a first part (3) and a second part (2), the second part (2) seals the first part (3), the first part (3) comprises the first device (4) for storing a sales sample, and wherein the second part (2) comprises the electronic second device (6) for entry and/or reproduction of data.
 7. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic second device (6) for entry and/or reproduction of data is a DVD player.
 8. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the conveying means (1) has a power supply unit (7) for supplying power to the electronic second device (6) for entry and/or reproduction of data.
 9. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the conveying means (1) has a connection unit for connecting to an external power supply unit.
 10. A conveying means (1) as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic second device (6) for the entry and/or reproduction of data is arranged in an inner space of the conveying means (1) and/or on an outside surface of the conveying means (1). 